Cooper Flagg’s Versatility on Full Display in NBA Summer League

By Jamal Baker
NDG Contributing Writer

Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison has made his team-building philosophy clear—prioritize players who can make significant contributions on both ends of the floor.

Now, with the addition of No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, a potential game-changing two-way talent, the Mavericks may have found the final piece of their championship puzzle.

Flagg showed signs of elite defensive traits throughout his collegiate career at Duke and in his two games at the Las Vegas Summer League. Flagg had three steals and one block in his summer league debut against the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Flagg’s upside as an All-NBA defender is evident. Again, it might not happen in his rookie season, but it would be shocking if he isn’t on the All-Defensive Team within the next three seasons. His basketball IQ is off the charts, and he’s going to make an impact immediately as a wing-stopper. The Mavericks organization and their fans should be satisfied with what they saw from Flagg, even though his summer league stint was short,” CBS Sports contributor Cameron Salerno wrote.

The 6-9 rookie wing boasts a 7-foot wingspan and plus athleticism, giving him the tools to be a versatile defender capable of guarding positions one through four.

Flagg’s defensive versatility will fit beautifully in the Mavericks’ new defensive scheme where he will be playing alongside other high impact defenders such as Anthony Davis, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, Max Christie, Caleb Martin and Naji Marshall.

With his blend of size, instincts and defensive versatility, Flagg adds a dynamic new layer to an already formidable Mavericks roster ready to compete right away.

Flagg showed flashes of greatness during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas—showcasing the versatile skillset that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

“He’s a complete stud,” Mavs guard Nolan Hickman said. “He was the No. 1 pick for a reason.

“I saw that when we were back in training camp. I saw a little bit of it in summer league this week. He’s a total stud, man. He’s going to be real good.”

The Mavericks are looking to get the most out of their young phenom and challenged him to run actions as the team’s point guard during his two Summer League games. Flagg served as the primary decision-maker in pick-and-roll situations and consistently brought the ball up the floor, even against defenders who picked him up full court.

“I think I’ve been solid,” Flagg said about playing point guard in Summer League. “I think I’m exhausted. You know I’m not used to bringing the ball up like that and every time I’m getting the ball full court, it’s somebody on my hip playing 94 feet, so definitely not used to that but I think I did a solid job of bringing it up against pressure and trying to set up our different actions.”

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd used a similar strategy with a young Giannis Antetokounmpo back in 2016 during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Putting the ball in Antetokounmpo’s hands early in his career paid great dividends, and the Mavericks are hoping for a similar return on investment with Flagg.

The Mavericks aren’t trying to place Antetokounmpo-level expectations on Flagg just yet, but with his unique skillset and early poise, the sky is undoubtedly the limit.